Essential Tips for Protecting Wooden Furniture in Bad Weather
Wooden outdoor furniture adds a touch of elegance and natural beauty to patios, gardens, and terraces, but leaving it exposed to harsh weather conditions can lead to long-term damage.
To ensure your furniture stands the test of time, it’s important to take proper care and protect it from the elements with quality timber treatments. Below, you’ll find practical tips and techniques, along with expert recommendations from Treatex, to help you maintain and safeguard your wooden outdoor furniture during poor weather conditions.
What are the benefits of outside wooden furniture?
Wooden outdoor furniture offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for homeowners. Here are some of the key benefits.
Natural Beauty
Wooden furniture brings warmth and character to any outdoor space. Its unique grain patterns and textures complement a wide range of architectural styles. Many homeowners enhance natural timber tones using products such as Treatex Exterior Oil, which nourishes the wood and highlights its beautiful grain. These oils penetrate deep into the wood, providing a durable finish that maintains the timber’s natural appeal while safeguarding it from the elements.
Durability
High-quality wooden outdoor furniture made from dense, naturally durable woods like teak, cedar, or redwood can withstand the rigours of outdoor life. These species resist rot, decay, and insect activity. When paired with protective finishes, such as pairing teak with Treatex Teak Protection, their lifespan can be extended even further.
Strength and Stability
Wood offers a sturdy, reliable foundation for seating, tables, and loungers. When properly treated and maintained, wooden furniture can withstand years of use without compromising its structural integrity. Using Treatex UV Oil helps to preserve the wood’s natural strength by creating a tough barrier against harmful UV rays that can cause the wood to degrade.
Customisability
Another major advantage is the ability to customise wooden furniture to suit your personal style. Whether you prefer a natural look, a richer tone, or a subtle sheen, Treatex’s range of wood finishes enables easy customisation, from glossy finishes to matte effects, all while providing essential protection against the elements.
Comfort
Wood doesn’t retain heat like metal or plastic alternatives, making it comfortable to sit on even during warm weather. It’s naturally breathable, and many people prefer the feel of wood over other outdoor materials. Regular treatments can help preserve its smooth texture, preventing the wood from becoming rough or cracked over time.
Eco-friendly
Wood remains one of the most sustainable materials for outdoor furniture, especially when sourced from responsibly managed forests. Treating timber with long-lasting, environmentally conscious formulas also helps reduce the need for replacement. By choosing quality products that extend the lifespan of your wooden furniture, you’re making an eco-conscious decision that supports sustainable practices.
Versatility
Available in a wide range of styles and sizes, wooden furniture works in compact urban balconies, large countryside gardens, and any outdoor environment. Whether you have a contemporary city terrace or a rustic country garden, wooden furniture can be adapted to suit your space and design preferences. Plus, using products like Treatex Exterior Oil ensures that the wood remains durable enough to handle all types of weather conditions, so you can enjoy your furniture season after season.
Low Maintenance
With the right care, wooden outdoor furniture can remain in excellent condition for many years. Regular cleaning, occasional sealing, and protection from extreme weather all contribute to long-term durability. Using specialist products before refinishing makes maintenance straightforward and effective. These products ensure that your furniture not only looks good but continues to perform well, even in adverse weather.
How can bad weather damage outdoor furniture?
Bad weather conditions can harm wooden furniture in several ways. Here are the key risks to look out for.
Moisture
Excessive moisture is one of the biggest threats to outdoor timber. When wood absorbs water, it can swell and become uneven, weakening joints and reducing stability. Prolonged moisture exposure can also lead to mould and mildew, which may lead to further damage and an unpleasant appearance.
To prevent water absorption, sealing wooden furniture with a product such as Treatex Exterior Oil provides a strong barrier against rain and humidity. Treatex Exterior Oil is weather-resistant, ensuring that your furniture doesn’t absorb moisture and retains its structural integrity.
Sunlight
Sunlight can cause fading, bleaching, and discolouration, particularly in lighter woods. UV rays also weaken fibres over time. The sun’s rays can cause significant damage to untreated wood, making it prone to cracking and warping.
Applying UV wood protection like Treatex UV Oil is a reliable way to slow down fading and preserve the wood’s natural tone. This UV-resistant formula helps reduce the greying process caused by sunlight. It prevents the sun’s rays from degrading the wood’s surface, ensuring that your furniture maintains its original aesthetic.
Extreme Temperature Changes
Sudden temperature fluctuations can cause wood to expand and contract. This places stress on the fibres and may result in cracking or warping. Extreme cold or heat can cause wood to dry out, which further exacerbates splitting and cracking.
Treating wood with penetrating oils helps keep fibres nourished and flexible, reducing the impact of temperature-related damage. These treatments help regulate moisture levels within the wood, preventing the extreme changes that can lead to cracking and warping.
Wind and Debris
Stormy weather can result in scratches, dents, or even structural damage caused by flying debris. Windstorms can be particularly harsh on unsecured wooden furniture, potentially knocking it over or causing more severe damage.
Securing or covering furniture is essential during high winds, and using robust finishes adds an extra layer of protection. By applying a strong protective layer, you’ll reduce the likelihood of surface damage from scratches, chips, or other types of wear caused by debris.
How to Protect Your Outdoor Furniture Against Bad Weather
There are several effective steps you can take to keep your outdoor wooden furniture in good condition throughout the year.
Choose the Right Type of Wood
Naturally durable woods like teak, cedar, and redwood offer the best resistance to outdoor conditions. However, even these benefit from regular treatment. Oils tailored to specific woods, such as Treatex Cedar Oil for cedar furniture, keep the material nourished and protected. These oils enhance the natural oil content of the wood, keeping it hydrated and reducing the chance of cracking or splintering.
Softer woods may require additional treatment, and products like Treatex Douglas Fir Protection are ideal for boosting their resilience against moisture and fungal activity. These treatments add an extra layer of protection, allowing the wood to resist the effects of environmental stressors.
Apply Protective Coatings
One of the most effective ways to shield wooden outdoor furniture is by applying the right protective coating.
Before treatment:
Clean thoroughly.
Ensure the surface is dry.
Remove any previous coatings that may prevent proper penetration.
Recommended coatings include:
Treatex Exterior Oil: A highly durable finish that protects against moisture and UV damage while enhancing natural grain.
Treatex UV Oil: Ideal for preventing sunlight bleaching and colour changes.
Reapply coatings as per manufacturer guidance, especially after periods of harsh weather.
Use Waterproof Covers
Waterproof covers are a simple and effective defence against rain, frost, and snow. Before covering, furniture should always be dry to prevent trapped moisture from causing mould growth. Covers are especially useful during prolonged spells of wet weather.
Provide Adequate Shelter
If possible, position outdoor furniture under a pergola, awning, or sheltered area. Even partial overhead cover can greatly reduce exposure to rain and UV light. For seasonal setups, collapsible shelters and umbrellas offer a flexible alternative.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Routine cleaning helps minimise dirt and organic build-up. A soft brush, mild soap, and water are generally sufficient. For more thorough maintenance or for preparing furniture for refinishing, explore our range of exterior cleaning and preservation options at Treatex.
After cleaning, allow furniture to dry completely before applying oils, sealants, or covers.
Expert Wood Protection Solutions at Treatex Ltd
At Treatex, we’re passionate about wood and its upkeep. That’s why we specialise in a comprehensive range of high-quality wood finishing products designed to protect outdoor furniture from weathering while enhancing its natural beauty.
For expert guidance on which product is best for your outdoor wooden furniture, get in touch with Treatex today. Our team will help you choose the right finish to keep your timber protected, beautiful, and weather-resistant throughout the seasons.